Experimental and Analytical Study of Seismically Isolated Structures with Uplift Prevention (2002-2003)

Experimental and analytical studies of a seismically isolated five-story model structure are conducted to understand the behavior of a novel uplift-prevention Friction Pendulum isolator. Shake table testing on the earthquake simulator at the University at Buffalo involves a number of simulated ground motions with a variety of frequency content and amplitude. A comprehensive analytical model is developed to predict the dynamic response of the model structure. The computer program 3D-BASIS-ME is enhanced to include an element representative of the mechanical behavior of the new isolator and used for comparison with experimental results. The experimental results generated demonstrate the effectiveness of the new isolator in uplift prevention and provide satisfactory evidence for the validity of the new element incorporated in 3D-BASIS-ME.